Relating to educational requirements for licensing as an audiologist.

HB 4770 updates Texas licensing requirements for audiologists by requiring that all degrees in audiology (master's or doctoral) must come from programs accredited by a nationally recognized body approved by the Texas Commission and recognized under the federal Higher Education Act. This applies to all new applicants seeking licensure after September 1, 2025, with an exception for master's degrees earned before December 31, 2007. The bill does not change existing requirements for coursework in communication disorders or supervised clinical experience. It directly affects prospective audiologists applying for licensure in Texas who must now verify their program's accreditation status meets these new standards.